Friday, October 7, 2016

Norah Jones - Day Breaks - Reviewed 4 Stars

Norah
Jones returns to her piano-based jazz, that familiar place where she
emerged from and endeared herself to millions of adoring fans who
embraced her simpler blend of soft pop/jazz.

“Day
Breaks” is Norah's sixth studio album and as she says..."This
new album feels full circle because I'm going back to my early
influences. After the first record, I drifted away from the piano a
little bit. I still played it, but was more inspired to write on
guitar. I really loved playing piano on this record."

Norah's
wispy, smokey-sultry voice is as good as ever, she is a far more
mature artist now, as evident with the songs “Burn,” -
“Flipside,” - “Carry On” and the title track “Day Breaks.”

There's
a real New Orleans influence in the recording of these songs. With
this album she delivers a batch of fantastic new songs. “It’s a
Wonderful Time for Love” is in a throwback sort of style along with
“And Then There Was You” and “Once I Had A Laugh.” These are
standards style arrangements that perfectly compliment the stronger
tracks. It is with these perfectly crafted songs that her confidence
shines through.

Three
of the tracks are covers, “Don't Be Denied” from Neil Young,
“Peace” from Horace Silver, and Duke Ellington's “Fleurette
Africaine” is an excellent choice for a conclusion to her latest
album. These are all tracks you will really enjoy.

In an
interview with Billboard, Jones said... "I was
listening to a lot of organ trio stuff, soul jazz from the 60s, and
listening to the Les McCann's version of "Compared to
What" a ton."

"The
goal was to do everything live, get really good takes...When you have
great musicians there’s no reason to overdub." With this new
album, she accomplishes that.

This is
an excellent album, it's one of this year's best, and it's one you
can play over and over.

Rate
This 4 Stars

Day
Breaks - Track List

1.
Burn2. Tragedy3. Flipside4. It's A Wonderful Time For
Love5. And Then There Was You6. Don't Be Denied7. Day
Breaks8. Peace9. Once I Had A Laugh10. Sleeping Wild11.
Carry On12. Fleurette Africaine (African Flower)

Norah
will also embark on a tour in support of Day Breaks this fall. These
are dates confirmed so far. Other dates may be added. To stay up to
date visit her website for further details.